Shoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes

ABSTRACT

A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/708,883, filed Dec. 7, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/754,333, filed Apr. 5, 2010, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/467,679,filed May 18, 2009, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApp. Ser. No. 61/168,533, filed Apr. 10, 2009. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/754,333, filed Apr. 5, 2010, also claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 61/299,761, filed Jan. 29, 2010. Theentire contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/708,883, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/754,333, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/467,679, U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 61/168,533, and U.S.Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 61/299,761 are incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate in general to footwear, andparticularly to energy absorption and return systems for use infootwear.

2. Related Art

In prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,437,110 and 5,596,819, a discussion wasprovided of the desirability of providing adjustable foot-strike energyshock absorption and return. Those patents disclosed the use of a devicedisposed in the midsole of a shoe under the heel. The device used anadjustable mechanism to store and return to the wearer's foot shockenergy experienced during walking or running.

Those prior patents discussed a variety of related art, including U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,486,964, 4,506,460, 2,357,281, 2,394,281, 4,709,489,4,815,221, 4,854,057, and 4,878,300 as disclosing a variety of springsystems for shoes that related to heel-strike energy absorption andreturn. Since the time of those patents, other patents and applicationshave addressed a variety of spring mechanisms for shoes. See, e.g., U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,282,814, 6,751,891, 6,865,824, 6,886,274, 7,159,338,7,219,447, 7,287,340, and 7,290,354, as well as published applications2005/0166422 and 2009/0064536.

A step forward or stride consists of a dynamic process sometimesreferred to as gait. The science surrounding gait is extensive, butembodiments of the present invention focus upon that aspect that alayman might identify as toe-off when jumping. Gait can be broken downinto three distinct phases as follows: (1) the contact phase whichbegins with heel strike and continues until the foot is flat on thesurface, (2) the mid-stance phase beginning from the foot flat and ashift of body weight and continuing until the heel rises, and, lastly,(3) the propulsion phase where toe-off (or jumping) would occur.

The related art does not focus upon the propulsion phase of the gaitcycle. Most of the devices are directed to the contact phase and useheel-related mechanisms to store and return energy. Because energystored in the contact phase via a heel spring is dissipated by the timethe propulsion phase begins, heel springs have not proven effective forenergy storage and return. Some of the related art also use springsunder the ball of the foot. In addition to not being effective in thepropulsion phase, such devices can have adverse physiological effects onthe foot if not properly positioned.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A shoe in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises a first plate and a second plate that are located in aforefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of theshoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the secondplate apart from each other. In various embodiments, the shoe furthercomprises filler material disposed between the first plate and thesecond plate. Also, in various embodiments, the filler material has oneor more openings in which the one or more springs are positioned.

In some embodiments, the one or more springs comprise at least onecompression spring disposed between the first and second plates. Also,in some embodiments, the one or more springs comprise a torsion springconnected to the first and second plates. In various embodiments, thefirst plate and the second plate are parts of a single continuousmember.

In various embodiments, the one or more springs comprise a plurality ofsprings that are arranged in at least two rows. Also, in variousembodiments, the one or more springs comprise a plurality of springsthat are arranged in at least three rows. In some embodiments, the oneor more springs comprise at least two springs that are of differentsizes and the smaller of the at least two springs is positioned closerto a front of the shoe than the larger of the at least two springs.Also, in some embodiments, the one or more springs comprise a pluralityof springs that are located across substantially an entire area definedby the forefoot portion of the shoe.

In various embodiments, the one or more springs comprise a plurality ofsprings that are arranged to be in at least one of a rectangular,square, circular, oval, or triangular pattern. Also, in variousembodiments, the first plate and the second plate are each in asubstantially circular shape and at least one spring of the one or moresprings is attached at a center of each of the first and second plates.In some embodiments, the one or more springs comprise a plurality ofsprings that are arranged such that at least one spring is located undereach toe of a user.

A device in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises a first plate and a second plate that are installable in aforefoot portion of a shoe, and an energy return member positionedbetween the first plate and the second plate. In various embodiments,the energy return member comprises a spring. Also, in variousembodiments, the energy return member comprises a rubber half-ballshaped protrusion. In some embodiments, the energy return membercomprises a pad with a cylindrical protrusion and a spring positionedaround the cylindrical protrusion.

A shoe in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises a midsole having a heel portion, a ball portion, and aforefoot portion, and a device comprising two plates and a spring, wherethe device is located in a cavity in the forefoot portion of themidsole. In various embodiments, the spring is located between the twoplates. In some embodiments, the shoe further comprises an outsolehaving an opening to expose at least a portion of the device. Also, insome embodiments, at least one of the two plates is at least partiallytransparent. In various embodiments, the shoe further comprises asockliner having a propulsion enhancement material on a bottom surfaceof a forefoot portion of the sockliner and a heel shock absorber on abottom surface of a heel portion of the sockliner. Also, in variousembodiments, the shoe further comprises a shank attached to the midsole.

A method in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two platesthat is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move thetwo plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and thenlaunching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the springas the foot is being lifted.

A device in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventionis located ahead of the ball of the foot and directly below the forefootof the foot in a forefoot portion of a shoe. In various embodiments, thedevice stores and returns energy during the propulsion phase of a gait.In some embodiments, the device includes opposing plates hinged togetherand biased apart by a torsion spring that may be adjustable. Also, insome embodiments, lightweight foam is disposed between the plates. Inother embodiments, additional springs, such as wave springs, or thelike, may be disposed within or outside of foam at the front of thedevice.

Such devices are very effective in storing and returning energy where anathlete needs it most: at the front of the shoe, which is where thetoe-off in running or jumping occurs. Furthermore, in variousembodiments, the device replaces a portion of the midsole that wouldotherwise be under the forefoot, and is thus easy to install in aproduction environment, as it simply is affixed to the outsole. The useof a torsion spring in various embodiments allows for easy adjustabilityof the device by a wearer of the shoe.

A shoe in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises an upper, an outsole, a pair of hinged plates attached betweenthe outsole and the upper in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and aspring biasing the plates apart, whereby energy is stored and returnedduring a propulsion phase of a gait cycle in a human step.

In various embodiments, the shoe further comprises foam disposed betweenthe plates. Also, in various embodiments, the shoe further comprises ashroud enclosing an outer periphery of the plates. In some embodiments,the spring comprises a torsion spring disposed in a hinge portion of theplates. Also, in some embodiments, the torsion spring is adjustable.

In various embodiments, the spring comprises at least one wave springdisposed between the plates. In some embodiments, the shoe furthercomprises an energy return material disposed between the plates. In someembodiments, the energy return material comprises rubber or Hytrel®. Invarious embodiments, one of the plates wraps around a portion of theupper to form a toe bumper.

A device in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventionis installed in a forefoot portion of a shoe between an upper and anoutsole of the shoe, and is used to store and return energy during apropulsion phase of a gait cycle in a human step. In variousembodiments, the device comprises a pair of opposing plates, hinge meansfor attaching the plates together at one end, and spring means forbiasing the plates apart, whereby, when a wearer of the shoe moves intoan apex of a gait cycle, a force applied on the plates pushes the platestogether, increasing a loading of the spring means, and providing thewearer with a launch factor equal to a release of torque from the springmeans.

In some embodiments, the spring means comprises a torsion spring. Also,in some embodiments, the spring means further comprises at least onewave spring. In various embodiments, the device further comprises meansfor precluding debris from entering an area between the plates. In someembodiments, the means for precluding debris from entering the areabetween the plates comprises foam. Also, in some embodiments, the meansfor precluding debris from entering the area between the platescomprises a shroud along a peripheral portion of the plates. In variousembodiments, the spring means comprises an adjustment means for changinga force applied by the spring means to the plates to bias them apart.

A shoe in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventioncomprises an outsole having a heel portion, a ball portion, and aforefoot portion, and a device comprising two plates and a spring, wherethe device is located at least partially above the forefoot portion ofthe outsole. In various embodiments, the shoe further comprises amidsole, and the device is located in a cavity in the midsole. In someembodiments, the spring is located between the two plates.

A method in accordance with various embodiments of the present inventionallows for storing and returning energy during a propulsion phase of agait cycle in a human step using a device in a shoe including two platesand a spring that biases the two plates apart from each other. Invarious embodiments, the method comprises applying, with a foot, a forceon at least one of the two plates that is positioned in the shoe beneatha forefoot portion of the foot, so as to move the two plates togetherand increase a loading of the spring, and launching the foot due to thetwo plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention when installed in a shoe;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a portion of a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention including a device in an outsole ofthe shoe;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross sectional view of a torsion spring mountingin a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a device of the presentinvention in a portion of a shoe, with a top part of the devicefunctioning as a toe bumper;

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the device including a shroud;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention;

FIG. 9 a shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention, witha wave spring augmenting a torsion spring;

FIG. 9 b shows another embodiment of a device of the present invention,with a wave spring augmenting a torsion spring;

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention, withwave springs augmenting a torsion spring;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention, withwave springs augmenting a torsion spring;

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a device of the present invention, withan energy return material augmenting a torsion spring;

FIG. 13 a shows a side view of a portion of a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 b shows a top view of a midsole having a cavity in which adevice is located in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of a method in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a shoe that includes a device according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows a location of an example device that may be placed under asockliner and an insole that may be used in a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of a sockliner in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention that includes a propulsionenhancement material and a heel shock absorber on a bottom surface ofthe sockliner;

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a sockliner that includes a largerpropulsion enhancement material in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 shows an insole being exposed in a shoe with the outerboundaries of an area on a surface of the insole under which a devicemay be placed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows an insole being partially pulled back to expose variousparts of a shoe that includes a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a device being partially pulled out of a shoe to show acavity in which the device sits;

FIG. 22 shows a top of a midsole having a cavity for the placement of adevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows a bottom of a midsole that includes various recessedportions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows a device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention being partially pulled out of a midsole of a shoe with aninsole of the shoe being pulled back;

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of a device for use in a shoe;

FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of part of a device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 shows example springs that may be used in a device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows a filler material that has various openings that may housesprings in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of a device;

FIG. 30 shows portions of a top plate that may be exposed through theopenings in a filler material in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 31 shows a portion of a device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention in which a hinge of a bottom plate has been placedbetween a first and a second hinge of a top plate;

FIG. 32 shows a device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 shows a side view of a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 34 shows a front view of a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention having a filler material placed between a topplate and a bottom plate;

FIG. 35 shows a partially disassembled view of a device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention as it is placed into acavity in a shoe;

FIG. 36 shows another partially disassembled view of a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention as it is placedinto a cavity in a shoe;

FIG. 37 shows an assembled device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention being placed into a cavity in a midsole of a shoe;

FIG. 38 shows a portion of a shoe in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention with an insole that is partially pulled backhaving a large cushioning portion located at a forefoot portion of theinsole;

FIG. 39 shows a top view of another embodiment of a device with an atleast partially transparent top plate;

FIG. 40 shows a bottom view of the device shown in FIG. 39 with an atleast partially transparent bottom plate;

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of a shoe in which a portion of adevice is visible from a bottom of the shoe;

FIG. 42 shows a close up of a bottom of a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention that has an opening in the outsolethat allows a device in the shoe to be visible;

FIG. 43 shows a bottom of a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention that includes a shank;

FIG. 44 a shows a possible arrangement of springs on a plate for adevice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 b shows a cross section of the device in FIG. 44 a at line 44b-44 b;

FIG. 45 a shows another embodiment of a device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 b shows a cross section of the device in FIG. 45 a at line 45b-45 b;

FIG. 45 c shows a cross section of the device in FIG. 45 a at line 45c-45 c;

FIG. 46 shows another embodiment of a spring arrangement for a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 shows the device of FIG. 46 placed in a forefoot portion of ashoe;

FIG. 48 a shows another embodiment of a spring arrangement for a devicethat also includes a coil spring hinge in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 48 b shows a side view of a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 49 a shows another embodiment of a spring arrangement for a devicethat also includes a coil spring hinge in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 49 b shows a side view of a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 50 a shows another embodiment of a spring arrangement for a devicethat also includes a coil spring hinge in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 50 b shows a side view of a device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 51 a shows another embodiment of a device with yet another springarrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 51 b shows a front view of a device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 shows another embodiment of a device with eight springs arrangedin three rows in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 53 a shows another embodiment of a device for a shoe;

FIG. 53 b shows an embodiment of a shoe including the device of FIG. 53a where the device extends across approximately an entire area in aforefoot portion of the shoe;

FIG. 54 shows another embodiment of a portion of a device that uses oneor more circular plates;

FIG. 55 a shows another embodiment of a portion of a device that usesone or more circular plates with a hinge for connecting two plates;

FIG. 55 b shows another embodiment of a portion of a device that usesone or more circular plates with a hinge for connecting two plates;

FIG. 56 shows a location for a device that may be placed in a cavity ina forefoot portion of a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 57 shows another location for a device that may be placed in acavity located in a ball portion of a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 58 shows an example placement of a device in a cavity in a heelportion of a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 59 shows an example embodiment of a shoe that uses multipledevices;

FIG. 60 a shows an example of an embodiment of a device that may includemetal top and bottom plates;

FIG. 60 b shows a side view of the device of FIG. 60 a;

FIG. 60 c shows a front view of the device of FIG. 60 a;

FIG. 60 d shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 60 a;

FIG. 61 shows an example of an embodiment of a device with both largeand smaller springs located between top and bottom plates;

FIG. 62 shows a schematic diagram of a bottom view of an embodiment of ashoe, and a location of a device with respect to the bottom of the shoe;

FIG. 63 shows a medial view of the shoe of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 shows a lateral view of the shoe of FIG. 62;

FIG. 65 shows a top view of the shoe of FIG. 62, and a location of thedevice in the shoe;

FIG. 66 shows a front view of the shoe of FIG. 62;

FIG. 67 shows a heel view of the shoe of FIG. 62;

FIG. 68 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline A-A′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 69 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline B-B′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 70 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline C-C′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 71 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline D-D′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 72 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline E-E′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 73 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline F-F′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 74 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline G-G′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 75 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 62 along theline H-H′ from FIG. 62;

FIG. 76 shows a device that may be used in a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 77 shows a perspective view of a pad for use in a device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 78 shows a device that may be used in a shoe in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 79 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 78; and

FIG. 80 shows a device that may be located in a forefoot portion of ashoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a shoe 5 is provided with a device 10 according toan embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is mounted in anoutsole 22 of the shoe 5, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2. Withreference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the device 10 includes a top plate 12and a bottom plate 14 that are hinged together via a pin 18 (or similarmeans). In various embodiments, the plates 12 and 14 are designed suchthat they have a very limited motion around a hinge axis. Also, invarious embodiments, in a neutral position the plates 12 and 14 areparallel to each other, forming what might be explained as a duck-bill,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some embodiments, the plates 12 and 14have a limited motion that allows movement toward one another but notopening beyond (any more than) the two plates being parallel to eachother.

With reference to FIG. 1, various materials could be used for the plates12 and 14, including polymer, block polymer, monomer, etc., that exhibitproperties conducive to use in processes known as injection molding, andin some cases extrusion and the like, or other types of molding such ascompression molding, etc. In various embodiments, material is selectedfor rigidity, because in practice the device 10 will be subjected totremendous force as a wearer goes through a gait cycle ending up on theballs of the feet. At the apex of a propulsion phase of the gait cycle,the device 10 will be subjected to several times the wearer's bodyweight as the device 10 is “loading”. During this loading, it may bedesirable that the device 10 does not deform under stress. Suchdeformity may result in loss of load factor resulting in diminishedreturn of energy and a corresponding decrease in the actual intendedperformance. As such, thin steel is potentially usable to reinforceother materials to ensure the requisite rigidity.

A variety of hinge mechanisms could be used with the plates 12 and 14,such as a barrel hinge, butt hinge, living hinge, plain hinge, orothers. In various embodiments, a barrel hinge can include moldedfeatures to control a movement of the plates 12 and 14 around its axis,to prevent it from springing open, such as a slot and key feature, ornotched stop. A barrel hinge would form the two plates 12 and 14 into asingle device with a single axis of rotation.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, in various embodiments a helicaltorsion spring 16 may encircle the hinge pin 18, and may bias the plates12 and 14 apart consistent with a strength of the particular springutilized. In various embodiments, the helical torsion spring 16 isconstructed from a metal wire or rod twisted or formed into a helicalcoil. In such embodiments, each end of the coil may be biased againstthe plates 12 and 14. Such torsion springs may be similar to those shownin U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,197. That patent shows a coil spring member witharms that provide an opposing bias. Adjustment of the torsion may beachieved via an inner coil which acts to control the deformation of anouter coil. In various embodiments of the present invention, a torsionspring could be located within a barrel hinge formed as an integralmember of the top and bottom plates 12 and 14. Once the device 10 hasbeen properly assembled and installed within the forepart of footwear,and the wearer of the footwear moves into an apex of a gait cycle (i.e.toe-off in jumping), the force applied to the top plate 12 will push thetwo plates 12 and 14 together. This will increase the torque loading ofthe helical torsion spring 16, and provide the wearer with a launchfactor equal to a release of torque from the helical torsion spring 16.

In various embodiments, between the plates 12 and 14 there can belightweight foam 20, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. This component's purpose isbasically as filler, and may extend partially (FIG. 8) or completely(FIG. 2) between the plates 12 and 14. In various embodiments, thedevice 10 may perform optimally in a case where a space between theplates 12 and 14 is void or empty. However, given the normal spectrum ofuse for footwear, it might not be desirable to leave the space empty inmany instances. Dirt, mud, water, snow, ice, etc. (debris) may find itsway within the space and could significantly decrease or even destroythe function of the device. Therefore, various embodiments include ameans of blocking debris from entering the space between the plates 12and 14. Because the device 10 of various embodiments would performoptimally without any material between the plates 12 and 14, it may bedesirable for performance reasons to include a material that islightweight, reflects good tear strength values, and that possessesspecific compression properties. In addition to the criteria above, theideal candidate foam 20 in various embodiments would compress under verylow loading and compress to 30% of original thickness gauge—or more.Based upon these criteria, the foam 20 would preferably be of an opencell type. Thus, polyurethane, rubber, rubber latex, PVC or polyethylenecan be used in various embodiments.

One purpose of the foam 20 is to avoid debris collecting between theplates 12 and 14. The foam 20 may slightly inhibit the performance ofthe device 10 in various embodiments, since it adds resistance in theloading phase of performance. As such, in an alternative embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 7, the foam 20 (FIG. 3) may be replaced witha front shroud 30 on one of the plates 12, 14 (in FIG. 7, it is shownattached to the top plate 12). In various embodiments, the shroud 30acts to keep debris from entering between the plates 12 and 14, andwraps around a perimeter of the toe area.

In addition, with reference to FIGS. 9 a, 9 a, 10, and 11, in variousembodiments the foam 20 may be reduced in size or removed completely toallow the use of one or more other springs 32, 34, 36. The springs 32,34, 36 assist the torsion spring 16 in providing propulsion to thewearer of the shoe. In various embodiments, such additional springscould be wave springs as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,987, or the like.Wave springs are particularly advantageous because the energy return isalmost entirely axial, which would serve to press the plates 12 and 14apart after compression. The springs 32, 34, 36 could be attacheddirectly to the top and bottom plates 12 and 14 in various embodiments.With reference to FIG. 12, in various embodiments an energy return orrebound material 48 may be disposed between the plates 12 and 14. Insome embodiments, the energy return material 48 comprises rubber,Hytrel®, or the like, and creates an additional energy return effect.

With reference to FIG. 9 a, in various embodiments the top plate 12 andthe bottom plate 14 are manufactured as separate units and may haveportions in contact with each other at a contact location 85. Withreference to FIG. 9 b, in various other embodiments, the top plate 12and the bottom plate 14 are manufactured as a single continuous unit.

As mentioned and as illustrated in FIG. 2, in various embodiments thedevice 10 is mounted to the outsole 22 under a forefoot region byconventional means (gluing, stitching, etc.) and replaces the midsole 38in the forefoot portion of the shoe 5. Thus, in such embodiments, themidsole 38 would extend only from the heel portion of the outsole 22 upto the device 10. With reference to FIG. 2, the shoe 5 may be describedwith respect to different portions of the shoe 5 along a length of theshoe 5, including a heel portion 52, an arch portion 54, a ball portion56, and a forefoot portion 58.

With reference to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, an optimal function ofthe device 10 within the shoe 5 requires an absence of any material(foam/rubber/etc.) between the device and the shoe upper 24. In otherwords, it is desirable in various embodiments to have the shoe upper 24sit directly on the device 10 in the forepart, as shown in FIG. 1.Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, in various embodiments thetop plate 12 of the device 10 would be configured to wrap up around theshoe upper 24 and in addition to its primary function of propulsion,forms features such as a toe bumper 26 and a sidewall 28. Such a uniqueconstruction with the top plate 12 configured to wrap up around the shoeupper 24 may create a very rigid toe bumper 26 and sidewall 28.

With this approach, an alternative embodiment for the top plate 12 wouldhave the top plate 12 manufactured from more typical, softer/flexiblematerials (rubber/foam/etc.) and a secondary component then added to it(e.g. steel) added to provide rigidity directly above the bottom plate14. The bottom plate 14 in such embodiments may still be manufacturedfrom the rigid materials.

FIG. 13 a shows a side view of part of a shoe 6 in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 6 includes anoutsole 22 and a midsole 38. In the shoe 6, the midsole 38 extends intoa forefoot portion of the shoe 6. FIG. 13 b illustrates a top view ofthe midsole 38 from FIG. 13 a in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, where the midsole 38 includes a cavity 39 in which anembodiment of the device 10 is located. Thus, various embodiments allowfor placing the device 10 within a midsole 38, such as within the cavity39 of the midsole 38 or otherwise surrounded by the midsole 38.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In various embodiments, the method of FIG. 14 allowsfor storing and returning energy during a propulsion phase of a gaitcycle in a human step using a device in a shoe including two plates anda spring that biases the two plates apart from each other. In variousembodiments, the method comprises (step 70) applying, with a foot, aforce on at least one of the two plates that is positioned in the shoebeneath a forefoot portion of the foot, so as to move the two platestogether and increase a loading of the spring, and (step 71) launchingthe foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as thefoot is being lifted.

FIG. 15 shows a shoe 100 according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention. The shoe 100 may include an upper 110 and an outsole120. The shoe 100 may be divided into various portions, such as aforefoot portion 210, a ball portion 220, an arch portion 230, and aheel portion 240. The outsole 120 is designed to be placed on the groundin normal operation of the shoe 100. The upper 110 includes an openingfor a foot and means for tightening the shoe 100 around the foot, suchas laces, a zipper, or the like. In various embodiments, the upper 110may comprise a synthetic carbon fiber material, or the like. Theforefoot portion 210 of the shoe 100 is located at the front of theshoe, and the forefoot portion 210 may support the toes of a foot whenthe foot is inserted into the shoe 100. The ball portion 220 is locatedadjacent to the forefoot portion 210, and the ball portion 220 maysupport the ball of a foot when the foot is inserted into the shoe 100.The arch portion 230 is located adjacent to the ball portion 220, andmay provide support to an arch of the foot. The heel portion 240 islocated adjacent to the arch portion 230 and at the rear of the shoe,and provides support to a heel of the foot.

FIG. 16 shows an example sockliner 310 and an insole 320 that may beused in a shoe 100 a of an embodiment of the present invention that maybe similar to the shoe 100 (FIG. 15). Shoe 100 a is shown in FIG. 16with the upper removed so as to make the insole 320 visible. In variousembodiments, the sockliner 310 may be made of various materials designedto provide shock absorption under the heel and other portions of thefoot. The sockliner 310 may also provide additional energy return underthe forefoot portion to propel a user upward during a liftoff phase of ajump. Also shown in FIG. 16 is an area 330 on a surface of the insole320 designating a location under which a device may be placed. The area330 is located at the forefoot portion of the shoe 100 a.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of a sockliner 310 a in accordance with anembodiment that is similar to the sockliner 310 of FIG. 16, and includesa propulsion enhancement material 810 a and a heel shock absorber 820 aon a bottom surface of the sockliner 310 a. The propulsion enhancementmaterial 810 a is located at a forefoot portion of the sockliner 310 a.The propulsion enhancement material 810 a may be made of ESS(EVA-Solid-Sponge) material. The ESS material comprises ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) solid sponge material that may include in some embodimentsat least approximately 45% to at least appropriately 48% of ethylenevinyl acetate, approximately 30% polyene elastomer, and approximately20% synthetic rubber. In various embodiments, a thickness of thesockliner 310 a in an area where the propulsion enhancement material 810a is attached may be recessed a distance such as, for example, by about0.5 mm. Also in various embodiments, the propulsion enhancement material810 a may have a thickness, for example, of about 1.50 mm. Thus, in someembodiments the propulsion enhancement material 810 a when attached tothe sockliner 310 a may protrude a certain distance past a surface ofthe sockliner 310 a, such as, for example, by 1 mm.

The heel shock absorber 820 a is located at a heel portion of thesockliner 310 a and may be made of Poron®, thermoplastic material, orthe like. Poron® is a shock absorption substance that comprisesmicrocellular polyurethane and is available from Rogers Corp. The heelshock absorber 820 a may be provided as a sheet under the heel of thesockliner 310 a. The propulsion enhancement material 810 a may beprovided as a sheet under the forefoot of the sockliner 310 a.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a sockliner 310 b. With reference toFIGS. 16, 17, and 18, sockliner 310 b is similar to the sockliner 310 a,but a propulsion enhancement material 810 b in this embodiment is widerthan the propulsion enhancement material 810 a. In particular, thepropulsion enhancement material 810 b occupies a greater surface area ofthe forefoot portion of the sockliner 310 b as compared to the areaoccupied in sockliner 310 a by the propulsion enhancement material 810a. The wider propulsion enhancement material 810 b may help to preventthe formation of blisters and other wear on a foot wearing the shoe 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sockliner 310b may also include a heel shock absorber 820 b that may comprise aPoron® cushioning pod, or the like, on the heel.

In various other embodiments, a sheet of Poron® or other cushioningmaterial may be attached under the forefoot portion of the sockliner 310b rather than using the propulsion enhancement material 810 b. Suchembodiments with cushioning material under the forefoot portion of thesockliner 310 b would provide more cushioning for a user. Also, in someembodiments, a sheet of Poron® or other cushioning material may cover asubstantial portion of the entire bottom surface of the sockliner 310 bor even the entire bottom surface of the sockliner 310 b for addedcushioning for a user. In some embodiments, a sockliner may be providedwithout the propulsion enhancement material 810 b or the heel shockabsorber 820 b.

FIG. 19 shows a portion of a shoe 100 b with the upper removed from theshoe 100 b. The shoe 100 b includes the insole 320 as described abovewith respect to the shoe 100 a in FIG. 16. Also shown in FIG. 19 is theouter boundaries of an area 330 located on a surface of the insole 320under which a device may be placed. The area 330 is located at aforefoot portion of the shoe 100 b. In various embodiments as shown inFIG. 19, the insole 320 may have a plurality of holes. In various otherembodiments, the insole 320 may be a single continuous member that doesnot have holes so as to help reduce wrinkles and increase cushioning.

FIG. 20 shows the insole 320 being partially pulled back to exposevarious parts of the shoe 100 b in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the shoe 100 bincludes a midsole 340 that has a cavity 350. The midsole 340 is locatedabove the outsole 120 of the shoe 100 b. The cavity 350 in the midsole340 can be sized to retain a device 400 a. The device 400 a may beplaced in the forefoot portion of the shoe 100 b. Since the device 400 ais placed in the cavity 350, a top plate of the device 400 a may beflush with a top surface of the midsole 340 so as to create a smoothsurface for the insole 320 to lay upon. In various embodiments, thedevice 400 a includes a plurality of air openings at the top plate thatallow air to be let out of the device 400 a when the device 400 a iscompressed.

FIG. 21 shows the insole 320 partially pulled back from the shoe 100 b.The device 400 a being pulled out shows the cavity 350 in which thedevice 400 a sits. FIG. 22 shows the top of the midsole 340 inaccordance with an embodiment that includes the cavity 350. The midsole340 also includes a regular height portion 360, and the cavity 350 isrecessed from that regular height portion 360. With reference to FIGS.21 and 22, the cavity 350 creates a volume that allows the device 400 ato be placed inside the cavity 350. In alternative embodiments, thebottom of cavity 350 can be completely cut out or partially cut out toallow the device 400 a to be visible through an outsole which may alsoinclude a cut out that is at least partially aligned with the cut out ofcavity 350.

FIG. 23 shows a bottom of the midsole 340 in accordance with anembodiment in which the midsole 340 includes recessed portions 380 and390. Also shown in FIG. 23 is a regular height portion 370 of the bottomof the midsole 340. With reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, the recessedportion 380 is on an opposite side of where the cavity 350 may belocated on the top side of the midsole 340. The recessed portion 380 maybe completely or partially cut out to allow the device 400 a to bevisible from the bottom of the shoe 100 b. The recessed portion 390 iswhere a shank, such as a shank 700 of FIG. 41, meets the midsole 340. Invarious embodiments, the midsole 340 may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA), or the like.

FIG. 24 shows the device 400 a being pulled out of the midsole 340 ofthe shoe 100 b. In various embodiments, the device 400 a may include atop plate 410 that has a first hinge 440. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 24, the device 400 a may be held together in part by a pin 420passing through the first hinge 440.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of the device 400 b which may be usedin a similar manner as the device 400 a of FIG. 21. For example, withreference to FIGS. 21 and 25, the device 400 b may be placed in thecavity 350 of the midsole 340, just like the device 400 a. The device400 b may include a top plate 410, a pin 420, first and second hinges440 and 450, a bottom plate hinge 460, an outer edge 610 of the firsthinge 440, and an edge 620 of the top plate 410. In this embodiment, thefirst hinge 440 is shorter than the second hinge 450. In variousembodiments, the outer edge 610 of the first hinge 440 is slightlyrecessed from the outer edge 620 of the top plate 410 in order toaccommodate the pin 420 and make an end of the pin 420 flush with theouter edge 620.

FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of part of the device 400 b of FIG. 25.With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the device 400 b includes the topplate 410, a bottom plate 430, the first hinge 440, the second hinge450, the bottom plate hinge 460, the pin 420, and air openings 470 inthe top plate 410. In various embodiments, the top and bottom plates 410and 430 may comprise a polyether block amide (PEBA) material, such asthe PEBA material known as Pebax® that is manufactured by ARKEMA. Invarious other embodiments, the top and bottom plates 410 and 430 maycomprise other materials, such as metals like titanium, or the like. Thedevice 400 b may be assembled by placing the hinges 440, 450, and 460adjacent to one another and passing the pin 420 through the centerportion of the hinges 440, 450, and 460. The air openings 470 allow airto pass though the top plate 410, such that when the device 400 b iscompressed, air pressure is easily released.

FIG. 27 shows example springs 500 that may be used in variousembodiments. With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, in various embodimentsthe springs 500 may be placed between the top plate 410 and the bottomplate 430 to provide a bias force that separates the top plate 410 andbottom plate 430 and that can be compressed when the top plate 410 isstepped on by a user. In this embodiment, six springs 500 are shown.However, in other embodiments, the number of springs may vary. Forexample, the device may have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more springs ofvarying sizes. The springs 500 act as energy return members to storeenergy when compressed and then release the energy to launch a foot of auser.

FIG. 28 shows a filler material 520 that has various openings 530 inaccordance with an embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 26, 27, and 28,the filler material 520 may be placed between the top plate 410 and thebottom plate 430, and the openings 530 in the filler material 520 allowthe springs 500 to be placed between the top plate 410 and the bottomplate 430 in the openings 530. In this embodiment, two rows of threeopenings each are shown. However, in other embodiments, there may beless than two or more than two rows of openings for springs. In anotherembodiment, the openings 530 may be arranged in a circular pattern. Inyet another embodiment, the diameters of the openings 530 mayindividually vary in size depending on the diameters of springs to beplaced in the openings 530. In various embodiments, the filler material520 may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. In someembodiments, the openings 530 may be die-cut holes in the fillermaterial 520.

FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of the device 400 b in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. Various components of the device400 b are shown. For example, the top plate 410, the bottom plate 430,the pin 420, the springs 500, and the filler material 520 are shown in adisassembled manner. With reference to FIGS. 25, 29, and 30, the device400 b is shown in FIG. 30 with the bottom plate 430 removed from thedevice 400 b.

In particular, FIG. 30 shows portions of the top plate 410 that areexposed through the openings 530 of the filler material 520. Also shownin FIG. 30 are two rows of three springs 500 that may be placed in theopenings 530 of the filler material 520. A diameter of the openings 530may be slightly larger than a diameter of the springs 500 to allow thesprings 500 to be placed in the corresponding openings 530. The airopenings 470 in the top plate 410 are aligned to be located within anarea of the openings 530 and open areas of the springs 500.

FIG. 31 shows a portion of the device 400 b (FIG. 29) in which thebottom plate hinge 460 of the bottom plate 430 has been placed betweenthe first and second hinges 440 and 450. With reference to FIGS. 29 and31, the device 400 b may be assembled together by placing the pin 420into the hinges 440, 450, and 460 once they have been aligned as in FIG.31.

FIG. 32 shows the device 400 a, which is similar to the device 400 b ofFIG. 25, except the shorter hinge 440 is on an opposite side of where itwas in the device 400 b.

FIG. 33 shows the device 400 a from a side view in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The top plate 410 may have aprojection 480 that extends toward the bottom plate 430. The projection480 may act as a stop member for the pin 420. The projection 480 may belocated between the filler material 520 and the pin 420. In variousembodiments, the filler material 520 can be made of foam, or the like.As shown in FIG. 33, the bottom plate 430 can extend beyond an edge ofthe top plate 410. In other embodiments, the top plate 410 may extendpast the bottom plate 430, or may be of equal length with the bottomplate 430.

FIG. 34 shows a front view of the device 400 a showing the fillermaterial 520 placed between the top plate 410 and the bottom plate 430.In this embodiment, the bottom plate 430 may extend past the edges ofthe top plate 410. In particular, the extended portion of the bottomplate 430 may be used to attach the device 400 a within a shoe accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 shows a partially disassembled view of the device 400 a as it isplaced into the cavity 350 of the shoe 100 b. In this embodiment, thedevice 400 a sits in the shoe above the outsole 120 in the midsole 340in the forefoot portion 210 (see FIG. 15). FIG. 35 shows the fillermaterial 520 and springs 500 of the device 400 a. In variousembodiments, some springs in the device 400 a may have a larger diameterthan other springs in the device 400 a. Similar to FIG. 35, FIG. 36shows a partially disassembled view of the device 400 a as it is placedinto the shoe 100 b.

FIG. 37 shows the device 400 a being placed into the cavity 350 in themidsole 340 of the shoe 100 b. With reference to FIGS. 34 and 37, theportion of the bottom plate 430 that extends past the top plate 410 maybe used to attach the device 400 a to the shoe 100 b. In variousembodiments, an adhesive may be used on the extended portion of thebottom plate 430, such as a glue, or the like. In some embodiments, theglue may be used on an entire bottom surface of the bottom plate 430 toattach the device 400 a to the midsole 340. In other embodiments, themidsole 340 may have tracks, projections, guides, or the like, thatallow for snap fitting the device 400 a into the shoe 100 b. Suchfeatures may allow an individual to easily remove the device 400 a andreplace it with another device.

FIG. 38 shows the shoe 100 a in accordance with an embodiment with theinsole 320 partially pulled back. In various embodiments, variousmaterials can be placed into the insole 320. The insole 320, thesockliner 310, and the device 400 a may operate together to create aforce to lift a foot of a user when the foot is being raised afterhaving compressed the device 400 a. In various embodiments, the insole320 may comprise EVA material, or the like.

FIG. 39 shows a top view of another embodiment of a device 400 c with atop plate 410 c. The top plate 410 c may comprise a material 520 c thatis at least partially transparent. FIG. 40 shows a bottom view of thedevice 400 c in which the bottom plate 430 c comprises the material 520c that is at least partially transparent. The material 520 c allows auser to view the springs and filler material of the device 400 c. In anassembled shoe, the device 400 c may be visible from an outsole of theshoe.

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of a shoe 100 c. In this embodiment,the device 400 c is visible from the bottom of the shoe 100 c. Theoutsole 120 c of the shoes 100 c has an opening or window, and themidsole has an opening that allows a user to see the device 400 c. Inthis embodiment, the shoe 100 c includes a shank 700. The shank 700 maydirect a force generated by a user into the device 400 c. The shank 700may be formed of a thermoplastic material, Pebax® material, or the like.Pebax® material is a polyether block amide material. A soft pod 720 madeof, for example, EVA or the like may be located at a center portion ofthe shank 700. In various embodiments, the shank 700 may be, forexample, about 740 durometers in hardness.

FIG. 42 shows a close up of a bottom of the shoe 400 c which has anopening in the outsole 120 c that allows the device 400 c to be visible.FIG. 43 shows a bottom of a shoe 100 d in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, which includes a shank 710. The shank 710 mayprovide added support by extending between a heel 620 and a ball portion610 of the shoe 100 d. In this embodiment, the outsole 120 d has anopening through which the device 400 d is visible, and in thisembodiment a plate of the device 400 d may be made of titanium. Theopening in the outsole 120 d may be in four portions as shown in FIG.43.

FIG. 44 a shows a possible arrangement of springs on a plate for adevice 400 e in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, three rows of springs are arranged to be locatedbetween top and bottom plates. The top row has large springs 1010 a witha diameter of about 15.0 mm. A second row of large springs 1010 b isshown with each having a diameter of about 15.0 mm. A third row ofsmaller springs 1020 may be located closest to a hinge and may each havea diameter of about 10.0 mm. The wires of the springs 1010 a and 1010 bmay have a thickness of about 1.2 mm. FIG. 44 b is a cross section ofthe device 400 e along the line 44 b-44 b shown in FIG. 44 a. Inparticular, a thickness of the device 400 e in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 44 a and 44 b is about 5.0 mm. A distance between the top andbottom plate of the device 400 e may be less than an extended length ofthe springs 1010 a, 1010 b, and 1020, such that the springs 1010 a, 1010b, and 1020 are arranged to exert a force against the plates.

FIG. 45 a shows another embodiment of a device 400 f. FIG. 45 a showstwo rows of three springs 1030 a and 1030 b. The cross section at line45 b-45 b of FIG. 45 a is shown in FIG. 45 b. The cross section at line45 c-45 c of FIG. 45 a is shown in FIG. 45 c. The thickness of thedevice 400 f is shown as being about 5.0 mm in both FIGS. 45 b and 45 c.

FIG. 46 shows an arrangement of springs for a device 400 g in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. In the device 400 g,large springs 1040 a and 1040 b are located at the longitudinal ends ofthe device 400 g and smaller springs 1050 are located at the center ofthe device 400 g between the large springs 1040 a and 1040 b. The device400 g may be, for example, about 2 inches in width by about 3 inches inlength. FIG. 47 shows an example placement in a shoe of the device 400 gshown in FIG. 46.

FIGS. 48 a and 48 b show embodiments of a device 400 h. In theseembodiments, the springs 1054 a, 1054 b, 1052 a, and 1052 b are wavesprings that are arranged to be in a similar arrangement as the springsin device 400 g of FIG. 46. FIGS. 48 a and 48 b shows that the top andbottom plates 1056 and 1158 of the device 400 h can be connected at oneend with a torsion spring 1060 to bias the plates apart.

FIGS. 49 a and 49 b show embodiments of a device 400 i. In theseembodiments, a large spring 1070 may be located away from a hinge 1090,and two smaller springs 1080 may be located closer to the hinge 1090.The springs 1070 and 1080 may be wave springs. The hinge 1090 may beformed by a torsion spring that applies torque on the top and bottomplates 1112 and 1114.

FIGS. 50 a and 50 b show another example spring arrangement for a device400 j. FIG. 50 a shows springs 1100 a, 1100 b, and 1100 c for the device400 j that may be arranged in a row lengthwise. In these embodiments,the springs would be attached to the top and bottom plates. FIG. 50 aalso shows a torsion spring 1110 attached at a hinge location of thedevice 400 j.

FIGS. 51 a and 51 b show another embodiment of a device 400 k. In thisembodiment, springs 1120, 1130 a, and 1130 b are arranged in three rows.The row furthest from a hinge has two small diameter springs 1120. Thetwo rows closest to the hinge have larger diameter springs 1130 a and1130 b. The springs 1120, 1130 a, and 1130 b exert force against top andbottom plates 1134 and 1136.

FIG. 52 shows a device 400L with 8 springs arranged in three rows, withthree springs in a back row closest to a hinge 1138, three in a middlerow, and two in a front row farthest from the hinge 1138. In variousembodiments, the springs are compression springs, or the like.

FIG. 53 a shows another embodiment of a device 400 m, and FIG. 53 bshows an example position of the device 400 m in a forefoot portion 1160of a shoe 100 m. With reference to FIGS. 53 a and 53 b, the device 400 mextends an entire length of the forefoot portion 1160 of the shoe 100 mall way to a front edge of the shoe 100 m. Springs 1140 are arranged tobe in a circular pattern around an outer perimeter of a top surface of abottom plate 1162. Springs 1150 may be arranged to be in two rows in amiddle of an area defined by the springs 1140. FIG. 53 b also shows thedevice 400 m starting from a flex point of the shoe 100 m and extendingall the way to the front of the shoe 100 m.

FIG. 54 shows another embodiment of a device 400 n that uses one or morecircular plates. In this embodiment, one large spring 1170 is arrangedon a bottom plate 1180. In some embodiments the device 400 n furtherincludes a circular shaped top plate (not shown in FIG. 54). In variousother embodiments, the plates can have other shapes, such as, oval,square, or the like.

FIG. 55 a shows another embodiment of a device 400 p that uses one ormore circular plates. In this embodiment, a large spring 1210 may belocated on the center of a plate 1190. Also, smaller springs 1200 may belocated in a circular pattern surrounding the large spring 1210. A hinge1220 a is shown in FIG. 55 a, located at a portion of an outer perimeterof the plate 1190 for connection to another plate (not shown in FIG. 55a) that would be on top of the springs 1210 and 1200. In yet anotherembodiment, the plate 1190 may be removed, and the springs 1210 and 1200may be placed in a cavity of a midsole of a shoe and held in place by aninsole. In another embodiment, a continuous material could be used toform both the top and the bottom plates. The continuous material mayhave a bend at a center to form a fold between the top and bottomplates. In other embodiments, plates may not be necessary and, forexample, an insole and a cavity of a midsole could be lined with hardmaterials that prevent springs from popping out of place. FIG. 55 bshows another embodiment of the device 400 p in which the hinge 1220 bis located on another portion of the outer diameter of the plate 1190.

FIG. 56 shows a location for the device 400 b in a cavity 2010 in aforefoot portion of a shoe 2000. FIG. 57 shows a different location forthe device 400 b in a cavity 2110 located in a ball portion of a shoe2100. FIG. 58 shows an example placement of the device 400 b in a cavity2210 in a heel portion of a shoe 2200. In this embodiment, a hinge ofthe device 400 b would be located closer to the inside of the shoe 2200.FIG. 59 shows an example embodiment of a shoe 2300 that uses multipledevices 400 b. In this embodiment, embodiments of the device 400 b maybe located both at a forefoot portion of the shoe 2300 in a cavity 2310and at a heel portion of the shoe 2300 in a cavity 2320. Various otherarrangements of the device 400 b are possible, such as placing thedevice 400 b in an arch portion of a shoe.

FIGS. 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, and 60 d show different views of an example ofan embodiment of a device 400 q with metal top and bottom plates. FIG.61 shows an exploded view of an example of an embodiment of a device 400r with both large and smaller springs located between two plates.

FIG. 62 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a shoe 3000, and alocation of a device 3010 with respect to the bottom of the shoe 3000.FIG. 63 shows a medial view of the shoe 3000. FIG. 64 shows a lateralview of the shoe 3000. FIG. 65 shows a top view of the shoe 3000, and alocation of the device 3010 with respect to the top of the shoe 3000.FIG. 66 shows a front view of the shoe 3000. FIG. 67 shows a heel viewof the shoe 3000. FIG. 68 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe 3000along the line A-A′ from FIG. 62 with the device 3010 located in amidsole of the shoe 3000. FIG. 69 shows a cross sectional view of theshoe 3000 along the line B-B′ from FIG. 62. FIG. 70 shows a crosssectional view of the shoe 3000 along the line C-C′ from FIG. 62. FIG.71 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe 3000 along the line D-D′from FIG. 62. FIG. 72 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe 3000along the line E-E′ from FIG. 62.

FIG. 73 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe 3000 along the lineF-F′ from FIG. 62. FIG. 74 shows a cross sectional view of the shoe 3000along the line G-G′ from FIG. 62. FIG. 75 shows a cross sectional viewof the shoe 3000 along the line H-H′ from FIG. 62.

FIG. 76 shows a device 400 s that may be used in any of the shoesdescribed above. The device 400 s includes a bottom plate 7000 and aplurality of springs 7003. A plurality of pads 7005 may be positioned onthe bottom plate 7000. In various embodiments, the pads 7005 may be madeof a same material as the bottom plate 7000. For example, a materialused to form the pads 7005 and the bottom plate 7000 may be injectednylon, or the like. In other embodiments, other suitable materials, suchas but not limited to, plastic, rubber, resin, or the like may form thebottom plate 7000 and/or the pads 7005. In various embodiments, the pads7005 and the plate 7000 may be molded or injected to be formed as asingle unit. In other embodiments, the pads 7005 and the bottom plate7000 may be made of different materials and attached or bonded to eachother by an adhesive, or the like. The adhesive may be, for example, atype of adhesive that is capable of withstanding large pressures andstresses from forces that may be exerted by a user.

The springs 7003 shown in FIG. 76 are coil springs. In variousembodiments, the spring 7003 may be a wave springs, or the like. In yetother embodiments, a combination of wave and coil springs may be used inthe device 400 s. Each pad 7005 may include a cylindrical protrusion7007 around which a corresponding spring 7003 is positioned, and thecylindrical protrusion 7007 may prevent the spring 7003 from beingcompressed beyond exhaustion. Such cylindrical protrusions 7007 withsprings 7003 may act as energy return members. In various otherembodiments, a protrusion of a different shape than cylindrical may beused.

FIG. 77 shows a prospective view of a pad 7005 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The pad 7005 includes thecylindrical protrusion 7007. In various embodiments, the cylindricalprotrusion 7007 may be compressible and may return energy of compressiveforces exerted upon the cylindrical protrusion 7007. With reference toFIGS. 76 and 77, the cylindrical protrusion 7007 may also retain theposition of the corresponding spring 7003, thereby preventing the spring7003 from being dislodged during compression. The pad 7005 may include araised step 7014 that may be sized to have an inner diameter that isslightly greater than an outer diameter of the spring 7003. Thedifference in diameter size would allow the pad 7005 to maintain thecentral axis of the corresponding spring 7003 and the pad 7005 inalignment. In various embodiments, the raised step 7014 creates achannel for the corresponding spring 7003 to sit in.

FIG. 78 shows a device 400 t that may be used in a shoe in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The device 400 t mayinclude a top plate 7020, a bottom plate 7022, a hinge portion 7024, andone or more protrusions 7026. In various embodiments, the top plate7020, the bottom plate 7022, and the hinge portion 7024 may be formed ofa same material and may be made as a single continuous member. In someembodiments, the top plate 7020, the bottom plate 7022, and the hingeportion 7024 may be parts of a single continuous member in the shape ofa clamshell. In various embodiments, the one or more protrusions 7026are attached to the bottom plate 7022. The top plate 7020, bottom plate7022 and hinge portion 7024 may be formed out of a single sheet ofmaterial that may be molded. The top plate 7020 and the bottom plate7022 may be connected by a hinge portion 7024 such that the top plate7020 may be positioned to be parallel to the bottom plate 7022 when thedevice 400 t is at rest. The one or more protrusions 7026 may be domeshaped protrusions or half-ball shaped protrusions that exert force onthe top plate 7020 when the top plate 7020 is depressed. Such half-ballshaped protrusions 7026 may thus act as energy return members. Invarious other embodiments, the device 400 t may include a plurality ofprotrusions that may be configured to be of different sizes and shapes.In various embodiments, the top plate 7020, the bottom plate 7022, thehinge portion 7024, and the one or more protrusions 7026 are made ofrubber, or the like. FIG. 79 shows a front view of the device 400 tshown in FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 shows a device 400 u that may be located in the forefoot portionof a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 400 u may be configured to be shaped similar to a forefootportion of a foot. The device 400 u may include one or more springs 7031that are sandwiched between top and bottom plates of the device 400 u.In various embodiments, there may be at least one spring 7031 for eachtoe of the foot. The device 400 u may be positioned in the shoe suchthat there is at least one spring 7031 under each toe. As shown in FIG.80, there may be two springs 7031 under some of the toes of the foot.

Various embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a shoe. The methodincludes providing a midsole with a cavity in a forefoot portion of themidsole, assembling a device with a filler material and springs locatedbetween top and bottom plates, with the springs located in openings inthe filler material. The method may include putting a pin through hingesof the top and bottom plates. The method may further include placing thedevice in the cavity in the midsole, placing an insole over the deviceand the midsole, and placing a sockliner over the insole. In variousembodiments, the method includes attaching a propulsion enhancementmaterial to a bottom side of a forefoot portion of the sockliner, andattaching a heel shock absorber to a bottom side of a heel portion ofthe sockliner. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching ashank to the midsole. In some embodiments, the method includes providinga window in an outsole and attaching the midsole to the outsole in alocation such that the device is at least partially visible through thewindow in the outsole.

Embodiments of the present invention include shoes that may increase thevertical leap of an individual. Embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a device placed in a cavity in a shoe. The device may be locatedunder the forefoot in front of a ball of the foot and a flex zone of theshoe.

An embodiment of the device may include two plates made of a stronglight weight rigid material. In an example embodiment, the rigidmaterial may be high-durometer Pebax®, or thermoplastic materials suchas TPU® or TPX®. Pebax® is a high performance elastomer which offersoutstanding compression properties while providing excellent durabilitywhich increases fatigue resistance. The two plates of the device may bejoined at a hinge. In an example embodiment, the hinge may be seamlessto provide strength and support.

An embodiment of the device may include a nest that includes a fillermaterial such as high-rebound EVA. The filler material may be locatedbetween the top and the bottom Pebax® plates. One embodiment of thefiller material may include up to 8 circular die-cut holes. The holesmay be configured to house vertical compression springs with a high biasforce pushing the plates apart with a high amount of torque and energyreturn.

A high density shank may be located behind the device on the outsole ofthe shoe. The shank provides another level of engagement in acompression-propulsion-liftoff response method. The shank may be made ofhigh durometer Pebax® and provides a level of stability between theforefoot and the heel portions of the shoe. The shank also absorbs shockand enhances the transfer of energy to the device to increase a verticalleap of an individual.

The combination of the three separate energy return substances: Pebax®,rebound EVA, and compression springs of the device working in concertincreases the vertical leap of an individual. Since in variousembodiments the device is inserted in the midsole of a shoe, theindividual wearing the shoe according to embodiments of the presentinvention does not feel the device against their foot.

In an example embodiment, utilizing extremely high rebound EVA in themidsole of the shoe as well as in the insole that lies underneath thesockliner of the shoe provides cushioning, comfort, and the return ofenergy to the foot during a jumping or liftoff phase. The sockliner mayinclude highly advanced materials designed to provide shock absorptionunder the heel and additional energy return under the forefoot tofurther propel the user upward during the liftoff phase of the jump. Inone example embodiment, the material under the heel may be made ofPoron®, a shock absorption substance, and under the forefoot portion ofthe sockliner may lie a sheet of ESS, which is a propulsion enhancementmaterial. In various other embodiments, a shock absorption material,such as Poron® or other cushioning material, may be attached under boththe heel and forefoot portion of the sockliner, or even cover an entirebottom surface of the sockliner, to provide added cushioning.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, when anathlete applies force to the front of the foot in preparation forliftoff, the shank, sockliner, insole, midsole, device, and the outsoleall compress to generate a huge amount of energy exerted downward intothe device. As the athlete begins to release the massive force that hasbeen exerted downward, the energy is transferred in reverse order upthrough the device to provide a dramatic lift that increases thevertical leap of the athlete wearing the shoe. In various embodiments,providing the sockliner with the propulsion enhancement material, suchas ESS attached to a forefoot portion of the bottom of the sockliner,would provide for an enhanced return of energy and added lift during ajump. In various embodiments where the sockliner is provided withcushioning material under the forefoot portion of the sockliner ratherthan the propulsion enhancement material, lift would still be providedby the shank, insole, midsole, device, and outsole working together.

Embodiments of a top and bottom plate for a device may be shaped to beoval, round, elliptical, rectangular, or even irregular shapes.Embodiments may include smaller compression springs assembled around aninterior perimeter inside an EVA nest and a larger compression spring ina die-cut hole located at a center of the EVA nest. Embodiments of thetop and bottom plates with Pebax may have two levels of hardness ofabout 40° or 63°. In yet other embodiments, the hardness of highelasticity EVA inserted around springs may be 35°.

Various embodiments of the present invention include springs with a wirehaving a thickness of about 1.2 mm and an inner diameter of the springcoil of about 15 mm. In various embodiments of the present invention,the height of each spring may be about 5 mm or about 7 mm. One advantageof using high elasticity EVA can be that it keeps springs firmly inplace and prevents sideways movement of the springs during compression.Embodiments of the filler material may have hardness of about 35°, whichmay be less than the hardness of the springs. Any desirable hardness ofthe filler material may be used.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a thickness for a midsole atthe forefront may be from about 8 to 12 mm. In yet another embodiment ofthe present invention, the plates may be made of rigid materials likeDelrin (Acetal or POM) and the plates may be about 3 mm thick. In yetanother embodiment of the present invention, a device in a shoe may bevisible to a user of the shoe through a lateral or a medial side wall ofthe shoe. In yet another embodiment of a device, top and bottom platesfor the device may remain parallel throughout the compression and theexpansion of the device. Various embodiments of the present inventionmay be described as creating a spring sandwich of the two plates holdingthe filler materials and the springs, and can be used as a cassette tobe dropped into a cavity in a midsole of a shoe.

The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects asillustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The presentinvention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above.Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Variousmodifications and changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are intended to be within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for use in a shoe, the devicecomprising: a first plate and a second plate, the first plate having afirst hinge portion, and the second plate having a hinge portion; one ormore springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart fromeach other; and a pin that passes through the first hinge portion of thefirst plate and the hinge portion of the second plate to hold togetherthe first plate and the second plate; wherein the first plate is atleast partially rotatable about the pin; and wherein the first plate ismade of an elastomer and has one or more air openings.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising filler material disposed between the firstplate and the second plate.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the fillermaterial has one or more openings in which the one or more springs arepositioned.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more airopenings in the first plate are each located over a middle of acorresponding spring of the one or more springs.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein the elastomer is thermoplastic.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the one or more springs comprise a plurality of springs that arearranged in at least two rows.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the oneor more springs comprise a plurality of springs that are arranged in atleast three rows.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or moresprings comprise at least two springs that are of different sizes. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion of the firstplate and the hinge portion of the second plate are at least partiallyrotatable about the pin.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the firsthinge portion of the first plate curls at least partially around thepin.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion of thefirst plate and the hinge portion of the second plate both curl at leastpartially around the pin.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstplate further has a second hinge portion; and wherein the hinge portionof the second plate is located between the first hinge portion of thefirst plate and the second hinge portion of the first plate.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the hinge portion of the second plate is incontact with the first hinge portion of the first plate and the secondhinge portion of the first plate.
 14. The device of claim 12, whereinthe first hinge portion of the first plate is shorter than the secondhinge portion of the first plate in order to accommodate the pin suchthat the end of the pin is flush with the outer edge of the top portionof the first plate.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein an outer edge ofthe first hinge portion of the first plate is recessed from an outeredge of a top portion of the first plate in order to accommodate the pinsuch that an end of the pin is flush with the outer edge of the topportion of the first plate.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the firsthinge portion of the first plate curls downward from a top portion ofthe first plate; and wherein the hinge portion of the second plate curlsupward from a bottom portion of the second plate.
 17. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each of the one or more springs is encircled by afiller material that is located entirely between the first plate and thesecond plate; and wherein the filler material extends from the firsthinge of the first plate to an end of the first plate that is oppositethe first hinge of the first plate.
 18. The device of claim 17, whereinthe filler material is made of ethylene vinyl acetate and has one ormore openings in which the one or more springs are located; and whereinthe one or more air openings in the first plate are aligned over the oneor more openings in the filler material.
 19. A device for use in a shoe,the device comprising: a first plate and a second plate, the first platehaving a first hinge portion, and the second plate having a hingeportion; an energy return member positioned between the first plate andthe second plate; and a pin that passes through the first hinge portionof the first plate and the hinge portion of the second plate; whereinthe first plate is at least partially rotatable about the pin; andwherein the first plate is made of an elastomer and has an air openingthat is located over the energy return member.
 20. The device of claim19, wherein the energy return member comprises a spring.
 21. A shoe,comprising: a midsole; and a device comprising a first plate, a secondplate, a pin, and a spring, the device located in a cavity that is inthe midsole; wherein the pin passes through a first hinge portion of thefirst plate and a hinge portion of the second plate; wherein the firstplate is at least partially rotatable about the pin; and wherein thefirst plate is made of an elastomer and has an air opening that islocated over a middle of the spring.
 22. The shoe of claim 21, furthercomprising an outsole having an opening to expose at least a portion ofthe device.
 23. A method, comprising: applying, with a foot, a force onat least one of two plates that is positioned in a shoe, so as to rotatethe at least one plate about a pin that passes through a hinge of the atleast one plate to move the two plates together and increase a loadingof a spring; and launching the foot due to the two plates being movedapart by the spring as the foot is being lifted; wherein the at leastone plate is made of an elastomer and has an air opening that is locatedover a middle of the spring to allow air to pass through when the forceis applied on the at least one plate.